Removable ladder steps



Jan. 10, 1956 J. R. YODER 2,730,412

REMOVABLE LADDER STEPS Filed Dec. 22, 1952 FIG.4.

INVENT John R. Yo

ATTORNEYS United Sttes This invention relates to ladders, and more particularly to a removable step for ladders.

As is well known, it is found that when a person is forced to stand for a long time on an ordinary ladder having round rungs, he is subject to great discomfort because of the fact that the rungs aiford a very small area of support, and thus produce undue strain on the feet.

An object of the present invention is to provide a removable step, having a flat supporting surface of substantial width, which step may readily be placed in position on any desired rung of a ladder between the rails thereof.

Another object is to devise a step of this type so constructed that it may be used in connection with ladders of difierent widths.

A still further object of the invention is to design a step of this character which is exceptionally simple in construction and which may be manufactured at low cost.

In order that the invention may be readily understood, reference is had to the accompanying drawing, forming part of this specification, and in which:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of my improved step;

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view substantially on the line 22 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing my improved step as it appears when applied to a ladder; and

Fig. 4 is a transverse section on an enlarged scale substantially on the line 4-4 of Fig. 3.

Referring to the drawing in detail, the ladder illustrated in Fig. 3 comprises the usual side rails 1 and rungs 2. My improved step consists of a rectangular plate or block 3 which may preferably be formed of wood. As shown in Fig. 3, the length of this plate or block is such that it may be received between the rails of even the narrowest ladder with which it may be used.

The plate 3 is provided with pairs of parallel slots 4 extending inwardly from each end thereof, these slots being spaced apart laterally a distance substantially equal to the average width of the ladder side rails. Pairs of metal strips 5 are mounted in these slots and project beyond the ends of the plate as shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

Each strip 5 is formed with a longitudinal slot 6, and these slots work freely over bolts 7 extending transversely through the step adjacent each end, and pins or dowels 9 spaced inwardly from the ends of the step and extending through each slot 4. The bolts 7 are provided with wing nuts 8 which, when tightened, serve to clamp the strips 5 in the slots 4. A bolt 10 also preferably passes transversely through the middle of the step to strengthen it.

In order to provide a non-slipping surface, I preferably atetlt cement or otherwise secure to the top of the step a corrugated rubber mat 11, as clearly shown in the drawings.

By reference to Fig. 4, it will be seen that the slots 4 and strips 5 are disposed at an angle to the upper surface of the block constituting the step, so that when the step is applied to a ladder, it will be held in substantially horizontal position by reason of the angularly disposed strips snugly engaging the edges of the inclined ladder rails.

Standard ladders vary in width from about 12 to 15 or 16 inches. For this reason, the strips 5 are adjustably mounted in the slots 4 by means of the slots 6 so that they may be set so as to project more or less from the ends of the step. If the ladder is a narrow one, the strips Will be pushed back into the slots 4 so that they project to the minimum extent. If, on the other hand, the ladder is a wide one, the strips are pulled outwardly in the slots to the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2, so that the projecting ends will reach and straddle the ladder rails. When adjusting the strips, the nuts 8 are loosened, and after the strips have been set to the desired position, these nuts are tightened so as to hold the strips in the position to which they have been set.

From the foregoing, it will be understood that my improved step may be placed in position so as to be supported on any desired rung of the ladder as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, and that, when so supported, it is held in horizontal position by reason of the projecting ends of the strips 5 engaging the edges of the ladder rails.

What I claim is:

l. A removable step constructed to be supported on a rung of a ladder between the rails thereof, said step comprising a single plate having a pair of longitudinally disposed parallel slots extending inwardly from each end thereof, means for supporting and guiding a pair of separately formed strips in said slots in such manner that said strips are independently and longitudinally adjustable therein, said strips projecting beyond the ends of said plate and said slots being so spaced laterally that the projecting ends of said strips embrace and straddle the rails of the ladder, thus holding the step in position.

2. A removable step constructed to rest on a rung of a ladder, said step comprising a plate of a length adapted to be received between the rails of the ladder, and a pair of separately formed parallel strips mounted at each end of said plate, the ends of said strips extending beyond the end of said plate and being spaced apart laterally a distance substantially equal to the width of the ladder rails, so that the ends of said strips snugly embrace such rails, each of said strips being provided with a longitudinal slot, a bolt extending transversely through the end of said plate and through the slots in the adjacent pair of strips, whereby said strips are independently adjustable longitudinally of said plate, and means for preventing said strips from pivoting about said bolt.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,285,817 Sklar Nov. 26, 1918 1,492,929 Murnane May 6, 1924 1,494,267 Melsha May 13, 1924 1,615,135 Putnam Jan. 18, 1927 2,103,603 Voigt Dec. 28, 1937 

